Bosch Jigsaw: A Best in Class, User-Friendly Toolbox Addition

See post: Bosch JS47EB Barrel-Grip Jig Saw|Bosch

Having the right tool for the task at hand not only saves time, money, effort, and headaches, it makes a project much simpler and faster. The old adage “you get what you pay for” generally rings true when it comes to tools. While this absolutely doesn’t mean you must overextend yourself, purchasing a quality tool will save you from spending more than you intended by avoiding multiple replacements.

There are many brands of jigsaws out there with variations on corded or battery powered, different power levels, different handle types, as well as other features. The choices can seem overwhelming. So how does one choose the right one? Research is one of the best tools in your toolbox.

The Bosch, and the JS47EB in particular, is continuously ranked as one of the best jigsaws available and while it’s not inexpensive, it’s also not a budget-buster either, especially given its resume. Knowing this tool will be hassle-free for years to come balances the expense. It’s sturdy, well built, a breeze to use, highly functional, and makes quick, easy work of cutting almost any material.

Every tool comes with its pluses and minuses. Here are a brief few of this specific model:

Pros:

• Ergonomic and comfortable to handle
• Easy to use
• Quick release blade ejection
• Low vibration
• Smooth operation

Cons:

• On the more expensive side
• Weighs 5.9 pounds
• Changing angles requires extra effort

Bosch Power Tools, a Brand You Can Count On

As a brand, Bosch is well known worldwide by professionals, woodworkers, and DIY’er’s for their long-standing excellence and as a leader in innovation with over one hundred years of tool making under their belt. Their line up of tools not only includes jigsaws, but a vast array of other quality tools, such as circular saws and drills, measuring and layout tools, sanders, dust collection, metal working tools, and routers, along with numerous tool accessories and attachments, plus even radios and workwear.

Bosch invests billions annually on their continual improvement, every year bringing hundreds of new tools to market and greater improvements to their line of products. While tools are only one of the many branches in the Bosch lineup, it is likely their best-known division.

Why a Bosch Jigsaw?

A jigsaw is a multifaceted tool, allowing its user to perform a multitude of cutting tasks with just one single tool. Reminiscent of the old television ads for Ginsu knives, it’s a tool that can rough cut and cross cut, then switch with ease into fine woodworking cuts. It cuts curves, straight lines, and even bevels. 

When the appropriate blade is fitted per the material to be cut, it sails through wood, plastic, and metals, or even fiberglass, drywall, and panel products with fortitude. A jigsaw is able to stand in for many other saws such as a circular saw or band saw, making it the all-around perfect type of powered saw for a first time cutting tool purchase. 

Using jigs or straight edges extend a jigsaw’s usage into cutting perfectly straight lines as well as exact circles. A major bonus of a jigsaw, unlike most other saws, is its ability to cut out material within a solid piece, such as a design or shape. By drilling a hole, inserting the blade into it while the saw is off, then turning the saw on to cut, the material falls away without having to cut apart any of the other material.

Jigsaws are much lighter in weight than say, a circular saw, making it easier to transport, get into tighter spaces, and be more accessible to more users. Their versatility and straightforwardness make for a directly-out-of-the-box right into the task at hand tool for those new to power saws. Its learning curve is extremely short, even for the most inexperienced tool user. With proper supervision, even kids can learn to use this fantastic tool.

If there’s one jigsaw that meets and exceeds the criteria for jigsaws, setting the standard, it’s the Bosch JS470EB. At 7 amps, this particular jigsaw is very powerful without being overwhelming. Its stroke length is a handy one inch. It has four variable speed settings which are simple to adjust with the flip of a lever. The power cord is long without being too long and unruly. Its large footplate keeps the saw and the user balanced. There’s even a dust blower at the front which can be turned on and off with a switch. 

The saw is designed to minimize vibration and as such, there is practically none. One of my favorite aspects of this saw is the barrel grip as it’s much more comfortable than top handled saws, making it infinitely easier to use. Another favorite aspect is the blade ejection; the blade literally pops right out so one never has to touch a hot blade.

There is little not to like about the Bosch jigsaw, but if I were to request any changes it would be to lighten the weight. At almost six pounds, it can begin to feel heavy after lengthy usage.

Why the Bosch JS47EB Is the Best Jigsaw

While ultimately the jigsaw you choose will come down to personal preference, the Bosch JS47EB is an all around winner in my book, having earned my trust over years of use and never let me down. Though seeming somewhat unusual, the barrel grip handle, to me, is far more comfortable, far less tiring, and makes maneuvering through materials infinitely easier. The action of use is one motion of singularly moving forward, rather than standing over the tool, pushing down, plus pushing forward, which is uncomfortable and unbalanced. I find this allows the saw to do its job with friendly guidance rather than having to force the saw into its task. I would definitely recommend testing out the various types of handles to find what feels most comfortable to you.

Additionally, I always recommend a jigsaw as a first saw purchase, or an anytime purchase for that matter, for those looking to take the step into power tools. Its skillfulness and its ability to handle a myriad of tasks simply and quickly make a jigsaw, especially this Bosch, a no-brainer.

Overall, Bosch manufactures high-quality jigsaws that provide years of effortless usage, performing reliably and smoothly, minimizing additional effort by its user, making any cutting a frustration-free piece of cake. Tools that are constructed well and perform properly speed up a job, which this Bosch JS47EB does remarkably. It’s almost shocking how good this tool is.

Next time you’re out shopping for power tools, be sure to give the Bosch a solid look; it’s a definite winner that will not leave you disappointed.

Written for the Hometalk community by: Becky | Flipping the Flip